Works for
Anti-blemishAllantoinNot delivered
“It also helps keep pores clear to prevent blemishes.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.
ExfoliationAllantoin, Lactic acidNot delivered
“The DHC Skin Refresh is a leave-on liquid exfoliator that helps to refine the complexion for a smooth, radiant look.”
This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Serine, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate + 1 moreMay help
This product contains serine. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Sodium lactate, Glycerin + 6 moreWorks
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium lactate.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Butylene glycol~5.7–8.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolPentylene glycol~3.8–5.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolSodium lactate~2.6–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactatePhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolGlycerin~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinLactic acid~0.95–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidSerine~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
More about SerineAllantoin~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinXanthan gum~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumMagnesium ascorbyl phosphate~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
More about Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateSapindus mukorossi peel extract~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can contain saponins. Might have anti-bactrial and anti-oxidant effect in skin. Also can be used to help oil and water mix together
More about Sapindus mukorossi peel extractCysteine hcl~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Placental protein~0.01–0.05%
Ingredient list view
Water, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Sodium lactate, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Lactic acid, Serine, Allantoin, Xanthan gum, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Sapindus mukorossi peel extract, Cysteine hcl, Placental protein
Compare prices
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| DHCSkin RefreshYOUR PRODUCT | Soho SkinLiquid Exfoliator | Geek GorgeousSmooth Out | Deviant SkincareGentle Resurfacing Liquid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 54% | 52% | 52% |
| Price | $30.69 | $81.00+$50.31 | $12.80−$17.89 | $52.00+$21.31 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Glycogen | Anhydroxylitol | Salicylic Acid |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Lixirskin Night Switch PHA/AHA 10%Votary Sensitive Resurfacing Peel
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 4Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5
- 6
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